After the huge grizzly sighting, our journey continued on to Madison Junction. Firehole Canyon was but a few miles away and a worthy side trip for sure. The Firehole River is named that because the origin of the water is the runoff from the numerous thermal features and the water has to go somewhere. The river runs through the canyon and over a drop off called.... you guessed it... Firehole Falls. There was an amazing lack of wildlife along the drive, so we headed back to Madison Junction and turned west along the Madison River. We had accommodations in West Yellowstone, Montana so we decided to head there and check in. Normally along the Madison one would be able to see all sorts of wildlife, but keeping with the theme of the trip, sightings were scarce. Oh wait, we did see a dead swan. Out of respect for him and his swan buddies, we decided not to take any photos. Besides, you never know if it was a crime scene or not.
Crossing into Montana, Josie gained another new state. We are racking them up for her. After a brief search, we found Yellowstone Inn. We checked in and unloaded our stuff. Taking a break from all the windshield time, I looked over the map. And then it hit me like a bolt out of the blue. Josie, I said. Have you ever been to Idaho? She had not. Let's go, we are only 10 minutes from the state line. So, back in the truck and pointed to the Idaho state line, we gained her another new state.
Montana had their stuff together, but Idaho lacked a state sign. So, take my word for it, she was in Idaho for a brief period of time.
West Yellowstone Montana is a tourist town, there is no doubt. But it is also the home of Pete's Mountain Pizza. I had enough of the Cooler Cafe and had a hankerin' for pizza. Besides, it's an unwritten law when in West Yellowstone, I must eat here. Since I'm a law-abiding citizen, we found a parking place and went in.
It was busy but we got a seat pretty quick right beside a young family. Their 2-year-old was busy destroying a ketchup bottle and the older sibling was assisting her. Normally annoyed by such antics, I was just glad they weren't any of my kids or grandkids. Josie was well behaved. Breadstix and pizza ordered, we sat back and took it all in. Some guy asked me what I thought about the pizza, and I went on about how good it was, then he ordered the pasta. Some shady guy was walking around the place just looking at each table, so I kept my eye on him. Apparently, he was just odd and harmless. Situational awareness and old habits are hard to break.
Then, the pizza came. Yes, I was grateful for the Cooler Cafe and all the money it saved me but now I had pizza. So, right there next to a juvenile demolition wrecking crew, bent on destruction of a ketchup bottle and a guy in a pizza joint who likes pasta more than pizza, and a weird but seemingly harmless dude, we ate our pizza. It was good, so good I only ate half and boxed the other half for later.
Road weary, full of pizza, and the law satisfied, it was time to get out of the truck for the night and get some much-needed rest. Besides, tomorrow promised to be great because Grand Teton Park and Old Faithful was on the agenda. More extended windshield time, but that's the price to pay to see this glorious land and all its treasures.
Before daylight we were back on the road. With a night's rest behind us, we had things to do and see. Nature was going to make us work for it today though. The fog was so thick and anything but pretty. Oh man... there were things that could be in the road in this thick fog that could ruin your trip. One bison in your grill would be all it took.
But first, coffee for Josie. There are priorities ya know. Coffee obtained and creamer applied, we headed for the entrance to the park. Dark and foggy. I can deal with the dark, but not a fan of the fog.
We had planned to catch Old Faithful early on the way to the Tetons to avoid the crowds, but the fog forced us to change plans. The Tetons first, let the fog burn off and Old Faithful on the return trip. So, we settled in for the long trip south to Grand Teton Park and hopeful for wildlife along the way. It wasn't long, we were delayed by a huge bull bison appearing in the fog. Discretion dictated to give him the right of way. Then our old friend road construction showed up, again and again and again.
Upon our arrival to Grand Teton, the fog had lifted, and the Autumn morning and colors were amazing. I'll let the photos tell this part.
Grand Teton Park did not disappoint. The trees were perfect and the mountains majestic. My only complaint was the lack of wildlife. Seems to be a theme for the trip. But the scenery was great and the company perfect, I was more than grateful for the experience.
On our way back north to get back to Old Faithful, we came across a small wildlife jam. It was for a bull moose. Problem was, he was far off the road, laying down and didn't seem interested in showing himself. He was barely visible through the binoculars, but we did see him, so it counted as a first for Josie. No photographic proof though, just memories.
Our luck and poor timing landed us at Old Faithful right after it had erupted, leaving us with about 90 minutes to wait until the next one. But on the bright side, we had our choice of seating. We strategically placed ourselves on the front row with an unobstructed view and settled in for the wait. Miss Josie took a hike around the geyser field to pass the time and I guarded our great seats.
Old Faithful has a way of teasing the crowd with small eruptions before the main event. Usually, 3 small steam events and then it's a go. True to form she began her teasing. After the 2nd one, I heard a lady behind us say...is that it? We waited all this time for that? She gathered up her family and stormed off. After she left, Old Faithful put on her show.... well played geyser, well played.
It was well worth the wait and especially since Josie was a first timer, it was priceless.
It was about an hour and a half before dark, so we started back toward West Yellowstone. We came across a herd of bison with people trying to get up close and personal for the perfect Kodak shot. That's why telephoto lenses were invented but I digress. I was going to stop and document the possible impending carnage but alas, no safe parking place could be found.
Just about 10 miles from West Yellowstone, we came across a huge bison jam. Traffic was backed up for miles. Binoculars revealed the reason. The bison had taken possession of the bridge and had traffic stopped both directions. Luckily a well-placed, non-mother approved, National Park Service issued pit toilet was accessible. We took advantage of it and then we set upwind along the river until the jam dissolved.
I had left over pizza waiting for me, so ends the day.
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